Ventura
Gilbert left this world to begin his next journey in eternity with Jesus Christ. His passing at home in Ventura on Dec. 26th, 2013 was truly peaceful with his loving wife, Mary Alice and his daughter, Kathy by his side, one day shy of his 77th birthday.
Gilbert was born on Dec. 27, 1936 in Santa Barbara, CA to Petra and Perfecto Navarro and had 6 siblings. He was a construction laborer for most of his life and also a very skilled gardener. Any job he tackled, he did so with excellence.
He met his “pretty” wife, Mary Alice, in Santa Barbara and this past Sept. 2013, they celebrated 55 years of marriage.
He was well loved by many and probably the friendliest person ever! There was never a quick conversation to be had with Gilbert; instead one would have an interaction filled with love, care and details of all he was proud of, particularly his grandchildren who brought him much joy.
He loved being outside in his garden and enjoyed camping and hunting for deer, rabbit and quail in the Santa Barbara mountains often with his son Salvador and nephew, Jimmy Corral, who was like another son to him.
Though he died of cancer just 6 weeks after moving back to California from Montana (where he lived his dream of residing in Bozeman for 5 years), he was still joking and “carrying on” with family and friends that visited. He kept his positive outlook on life and his sense of humor intact which was inspirational to all.
He is survived by his wife Mary Alice Navarro (Ventura, CA) children Salvador Navarro and wife, Darlene Navarro (Bozeman, MT) and Kathy Navarro Sochel and husband Richard Sochel (Ventura, CA), grandchildren, Daniel, Christopher and Rachel Navarro (Bozeman, MT) and Jonathan and Juliana Sochel (Ventura, CA) and his beloved sister and friend, Connie Moralez, (Santa Barbara, CA) and sisters Cecelia Castro and Sally Rodriguez (Santa Barbara, CA).
Gilbert was a very generous soul. Not just in giving of material things or money, which he did often to anyone in need, but also giving in love, laughter, and joy. Enjoy being in God’s presence, Gilbert, knowing that you were well loved by many!
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 1st, 2014 at the Ventura Vineyard Church in Ventura, CA located at 1956 Palma Dr. at 1:30pm. A potluck reception will follow.
